|
OVERVIEW
It is the policy of the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office to promote safety for the persons and property in and connected with the use, operation and equipment of vessels on the waterways and lakes within Gallatin County. The promotion for safety includes enforcing boating under the influence laws, enforcing laws relating to the safe and prudent operation of watercraft, investigating boating accidents, conducting search and rescue missions and providing boater safety education.
The unit is comprised of specially trained deputies that volunteer available shift time to cover the marine patrol. Deputies are primarily utilized from the Canyon Unit. The Marine Unit falls under the direct supervision of the patrol division.
The unit’s deputies are specially trained in the following areas:
· Boat handling
· Small craft fire
· Marine law enforcement and education
· Boat accident investigation
· Search and Rescue Operations
MARINE UNIT VESSEL
The County utilizes a 22 foot Boston Whaler Outrage with twin 120 horsepower V4 engines as its primary patrol boat. It has a crew of two and will soon be equipped with radar and GPS.
The vessel was commissioned by Sheriff Jim Cashell on July 13, 2006. Its primary patrol area is within the 212,000 acre recreational boundaries of Hebgan Lake but can be trailered anywhere to include mutual aid on Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone Park, Ennis Lake in Madison County or any other agencies lakes requesting assistance.
The vessel was provided by a military surplus program. Equipment was provided out of current Sheriff’s Office surplus inventory and approximately $2100 was paid from the Sheriff’s general budget. Other pieces, services and time were donated.
| 
GCSO HOME
